What does slinked mean?
Slinked describes movement that is stealthy, furtive, or deliberately unobtrusive. It is the past tense and past participle of the verb slink and can function as an adjective, as in “the slinked figure” or “a slinked-away thief.” The word often carries an implication of reluctance, shame, danger, or furtive intent, although the basic meaning concerns moving quietly and unobtrusively. It is more specific than simply quiet: someone who slinks deliberately avoids attention. In descriptions of habitual behavior, the present participle slinking is usually more natural, while slinked is especially common in narrative accounts of completed actions. Although the word occurs in both British and American English, it is relatively uncommon in everyday speech compared with sneak or creep in similar contexts.
Having moved, or moving, in a stealthy, furtive, or deliberately unobtrusive manner.
"The detective followed the slinked shadow down the alley."
The participial adjective is less common than slinking when describing a person's habitual manner.
Moved stealthily, furtively, or without attracting attention.
"He slinked toward the back entrance and slipped inside."
This is the standard past tense and past participle of slink.
The word has a surprising older shape: slunk survives as an archaic past form of slink.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does slinked come from?
The word comes through Middle English from Old English slincan, which meant to creep, crawl, or move in a furtive manner. The ultimate origin of the Old English word is uncertain. The alternative past form slunk also survives, chiefly in archaic and poetic usage.
Related word forms
How slinked is actually used
Slinked is the standard past tense and past participle of slink, and it also functions as a participial adjective. As an adjective, it is less common than slinking, particularly when describing habitual or furtive behavior.
Easily confused with slinked
Linked means connected or joined, whereas slinked means moved stealthily or furtively.